The Bush
(8/10) 
STOP PRESS
On 18 September 2009 The Bush was badly damaged by a fire in the thatched roof. However, it will be reopening under new management on 5 August 2010. In the meantime, here's the original review to give an idea of what to expect.....
'Can you recommend a dessert' we say to the waitress. 'Nope, haven't tried any.'
Any self-respecting reviewer should be disappointed after that. What hope for a good meal if the staff don't have a clue what they're serving up?
But somehow it didn't matter. This was a waitress with a twinkle in her eye, and certainly a wicked streak. Soon we were swapping star signs and having a good old tittle. And who could deny the virtue of a bit of honesty for a change.
The Bush is in a wonderful setting, in the heart of historic St Hilary but just off a major A road. Narrow lane gives way to country church and everything you'd expect from a rustic inn - a car park caked in manure, a low doorway to dull your senses and a totally haphazard seating layout.
There's a restaurant if you want it, but try to stay in the bar area. The menu is modest, but always changing, and simplicity is the philosphy. But they do it so well. Meat is cooked to perfection, served with heaps of vegetables, and the serving staff will find time to chat even when a panic's on. The range of beer isn't huge, but what they have is well chosen.
So back to that dessert. We gambled on Chocolate Fudge Cake and Vanilla Cheesecake. They were terrific. You really should try them dear.
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Comments
Note for real ale types: the beers are poured straight from barrels in the cellar: no fannying about with mucky pipes and pumps.
As a result, it's stunning. Don't be put off if you go in and they 'only' have a few usual suspects (e.g. Rev James, Abbot etc). I had a pint of Hobgoblin in here that made the stuff in bottle seem tasteless by comparison.
Without question, the best-kept beer in the Vale. And that includes the Plough, Horseshoes and, er, Vale.
If they got rid of the awful piped music it would be even better. Why a pub with so much atmosphere and history plays Radio 2 lite music is anyones guess.
Is The Bush coming off The Rails? Several reports had been coming in relating dodgy experiences, and then one of our own reviewers had the misfortune of an absolutely dismal, catastrophic lunch. Relief staff were apparently the cause, and the manager was extremely remorseful. However, in an unprecedented step, the Teaandbiscuits committee has temporarily withdrawn The Bush's hard-earned 9th Jammy Dodger. A reevaluation visit is booked in the next few weeks to consider it's return.....
Sad news - http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/2009/09/19/historic-vale-pu...
Ale, Mrs Ale and three friends were booked in to eat at the Bush this lunchtime but as we walked down the Clump from Cowbridge saw the Bush's roof wrecked...
Very sad - despite rumours of problems recently it's a cracking place and has a well-earned reputation. Let's hope it's back soon...
PS. We went to the Blue Anchor instead...
This is a shocking news. I am very much sorry for the wounded people. I heard about this place from one of my friend who used to visit there.
kittens